7 replies to this topic

[DanFuke]

Hi,

I recently purchased a 1985 mini mayfair. The car needs a little work but I cant decide if I want to keep it original or add a few new items.

My main concern at the moment is the heater. I currently have it in pieces as the heater matrix is leaking. Would you guys recommend ugrading the heater to one from another car or just replacing the matrix?

What are your feelings on eletric windows and central locking?

Also I cant decide to go for a nice walnut dash or a custom made fibre glass one with speakers.

What are your opinions?

Thanks

Dan

[Beej123]

Hi,

I recently purchased a 1985 mini mayfair. The car needs a little work but I cant decide if I want to keep it original or add a few new items.

My main concern at the moment is the heater. I currently have it in pieces as the heater matrix is leaking. Would you guys recommend ugrading the heater to one from another car or just replacing the matrix?

What are your feelings on eletric windows and central locking?

Also I cant decide to go for a nice walnut dash or a custom made fibre glass one with speakers.

What are your opinions?

Thanks

Dan

Just replace the matrix in it or just buy a replacement heater as they aren't that expensive.

The electric window kits aren't the best and are a bit slow and get frustrating. Central locking is brilliant and is usually teamed with an alarm so you have the bonus of added safety! If you fit central locking you will wonder how you managed without it!

The fibreglass dashs are very nice but most of them do require quite a bit of cutting and fettleing so be prepared for the work!

[DanFuke]

Thanks for the reply.

If i replace the matrix will the heater be "strong enough". I am just a bit concerned as its a 27 yr old car and have seen some people say they arent that good?

I did look at the a-series kit, which consits of an alarm, central locking and electric windows but wasnt sure if it would ruin the classic feel.

I was thinking of making the dash myself as i got my mini as a project and want to do as much of it as possible.

[Beej123]

Thanks for the reply.

If i replace the matrix will the heater be "strong enough". I am just a bit concerned as its a 27 yr old car and have seen some people say they arent that good?

I did look at the a-series kit, which consits of an alarm, central locking and electric windows but wasnt sure if it would ruin the classic feel.

I was thinking of making the dash myself as i got my mini as a project and want to do as much of it as possible.

I've never had a matrix leak, I know I'm lucky but in all honesty it takes about 20 minutes to change a heater and they are fine!

You don't see the central locking and alarm kit in the car but it gives you some piece of mind, it's a worthwhile mod to do. It's your car so it's up to you what you do to it!

[Cerberus]

Thanks for the reply.

If i replace the matrix will the heater be "strong enough". I am just a bit concerned as its a 27 yr old car and have seen some people say they arent that good?

I did look at the a-series kit, which consits of an alarm, central locking and electric windows but wasnt sure if it would ruin the classic feel.

I was thinking of making the dash myself as i got my mini as a project and want to do as much of it as possible.

My heater kicks out a ton of heat. Works just as well as the heater in my 53 reg Fiesta did, its just got one speed instead of 4 and its a bit noisier.

You'll probably find you won't use the heater that often anyway, I don't. I only really use it alot last winter, and then only occassionally.

[matt615]

If i replace the matrix will the heater be "strong enough". I am just a bit concerned as its a 27 yr old car and have seen some people say they arent that good?

A 27 year old heater that's not been looked after properly will probably leak, be blocked up with crud and not work very well. That's probably why people say that.

However if you replace the leaky matrix and make sure the heater is working as it should be, then your Mini heater will kick out loads of heat.

[mini-luke]

They are more than ample, especially when you consider how small they are.

[DanFuke]

Thanks for all your responses guys, I have just purchased a replacement matrix.

I found one cheap on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1439.l2649

Looks like the right one and from a decent seller. So hopefully it will arrive mid week, in time for me to fit it!

The fan still woked before removing it, is there anything you would recommend doing in order to ensure it is still in good condition?